Unchopping a chopped 57 Ford Ranchero windshield

I don't know who ur asking Weez

 

so what windshield is this one ..t-bird?

 

I wish... he chopped the stock Ranchero top but used Fairlane windshield trim... covers the front of the roof section... never seen it done before... the trim looks a little heavy... the Retract trim is thin and won't stand out as much but I still have to use the custom trim around the windshild unless the rubber blends with the black paint and then I may not

 

My plans are for black... and just like your paintings - no side trim... but I'm thinking about the lower optional stainless with a small dia side pipes following the trim... and I have a pair of NOS factory spotlights/mirrors but I think that might distract from the flow...

 

Okay, guess I should have re-looked at what you were doing, I was just surprised when I saw that one and thought yours was done! (btw, I'm addressing exStreamliner...) Sounds like it will be cool!

 

Weez... what are your thoughts on a hood scoop... I saved a 59 bird hood for years to put on a 57 and then I noticed someone else had done it... I like it... but, lately I've been thinking of doing the hood like I did on the 27... only the top part of the 58 leaving just a thin scoop...

 

lower stainless would blend in with the lakes side pipes... and the square bird scoop...

 

Interesting note... tired of bare metal & primer? at this point, I am... so, one step forward to go one step back just for a change of pace... bought a quart of color today... yes, we are going to paint the roof as an inspiration to get through this project... and it won't be black (the final color)... it is a darker blue pearl w/ light metallic... the reason for the color change-up... black wouldn't have the reflective qualities in an exposure range of the rest of the body... and its only serving as a glide coat...

 

I often use 58 hoods on my 57"s. I like the low hood scoop, it should be easy to make a custom scoop using a 58 hood.

 

the All-Metal work is almost done and this will be in primer by tomorrow...





Side note... almost 40 yrs ago when I first bought my 33 I couldn't wait to strip off the purple metalflake and seen how nice the body was... 15 coats of paint later I found abuse from racing, the Cabriolet top channel and vent filled with leadfilled... the rear panel was banged up and repaired with All-Metal... and misc areas had body filler... with a little heat and a putty knife the lead was easy... body filler needed a little more persuasion... the All-metal was near impossible and after I decided I was going to replace the rear panel, I literally cranked up the heat and beat on it... the only was that stuff can be romoved is to grind it off... thats what I call a perfect product for the floors and I was surprised that is was still a regular shelf item... a little harder to work with but in my opinion its worth it

 

great write up and following it as you go. thanks for sharing

 

Looks gorgeous! I don't think I've seen anyone take that much time on some sheetmetal that'll get covered up... you're doing a proper job!!!

 

you work fast and flawlessly, great work

 

fairlaro
enlarge pic

 

Oh man, i get exhausted just looking at the pics...It's like building a new car all over again...VS buying a nice one to start off with. Great craftsmanship for sure!!

 

I agree... but, when it comes to 57's rust free ones are pretty rare... and Rancheros were basically used as designed - as a truck... finding a bed without dings and dents would be near impossible... the quarters do not allow access to work the areas needed... I feel bad enough cutting these off and if they were completely rust and repair free I don't think I could do it... second thoughts prevail but it is to late now... the only path now is to finish it... someone could make my life easier by finding a more door wagon donor for the rear floor panels

 

so you are lookin for good -excelent wagon flooring pieces ?

 

Nice work. My floors in my 57 Ranchero were a pain. Yours look better than mine.

 

I'm looking for the rear upper section along both sides... I can deal with the upper Ranchero panel if I don't have a choice since it is flat...



from the front of the seam by the wheel well back... naturally a Ranchero would be better but a wagon is more bone yard friendly protected by the roof so less chance of rust

 

Sometimes ya get to a point where there is a whole lot of work just to show limited progress... unfortunately the decision to paint... created a need to clean the shop and get the surface ready for paint... hopefully tomorrow it will be "Wow man, I see colors"

 

Kinda non-related... just waiting on paint... so... I've shown a shot of my Country Sedan that gets neglected while I work on the Ranchero... and I had posted on another thread about unusual trades and was curious if you cound transfer quotes???

 

Blue away my blues... finally paint... even if it only guide coat for black...







It sould be really shine once it its sanded and buffed

 

I transfer quotes all the time, works good!

The Ranchero is looking amazing, once it's done it would be great to see a build thread on the wagon!

 

I really need to get back on the 27 exStreamliner... so the wagon will have to wait... I put 40k on it in five years before I stamped stupid on my forehead and repainted it... at ten feet it looked as good as it does now in original paint and drove out nice... go figure

 

It doesn't seem that long ago we were making one top out out three

 

killer looking roof right now man! love that blue, looks great, love all the updates

 

Hello,
I hate when cars are built "by committee" but seriously, that blue would look terrific as a final colour, If any folks I know heard me say that there would be trouble, every car I've painted in the last fifteen years has been black, but not any more.
Black is my favorite for understated cool, but it does "dull off" the curves, a few years ago I started dropping a small amount of pearl blue into my blacks just enough to reflect the sky better and the curves "came back" but on a 57 Ranchero especially with that roof I think you need the blue, please ignore me if I have offended, not the intention at all, after what Ive read you have all of my respect.
Best regards
Rick

 

Thom, My wife would love that blue. I would not want to explain to her that it will only be a "guide" coat for the final finish . . . You are sure going to have one neat Ranchero when you finish it.

Dave